NAIROBI, Kenya – In a step toward strengthening food security and climate resilience, Kenya’s National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has signed a Sh40 billion ($310 million) deal with the China Communications Construction Company to construct the Galana Kulalu Dam.
The project, spanning Tana River and Kilifi counties, aims to irrigate up to 120,000 hectares of farmland, transitioning farmers from rain-dependent cultivation to large-scale, reliable irrigation.
Officials say the dam will deliver an average of one billion cubic metres of water annually, supporting at least two cropping seasons each year.
Speaking on Tuesday, President William Ruto described the dam as a “major milestone” for Kenya’s agricultural sector.
“The signing of the 40-billion-shilling contract for the construction of the Galana Kulalu Dam will strengthen our food security by irrigating up to 300,000 acres in Tana River and Kilifi counties,” he said.
The agreement covers engineering, procurement, construction, and financing of the dam, also known as the Athi Dam, alongside its irrigation water conveyance system.
Once completed, the dam will have a storage capacity of 305 million cubic metres, positioning it as a key pillar of the Galana Kulalu Food Security Zone.
Officials highlight the project’s broader economic benefits, including support for agro-processing, value addition, and the creation of thousands of jobs, especially for young people in the region.
The Galana Kulalu Dam forms part of Kenya’s broader strategy to mitigate climate shocks, improve agricultural productivity, and reduce the nation’s reliance on rainfall-dependent farming.
